Simple Tuna Jalapeño Rice Balls
Super Easy Tuna Jalapeño Rice Balls: Perfect for Spring Picnics and Lunchboxes!
Introducing the ever-popular Tuna Jalapeño Rice Balls, ideal for children’s spring picnics, romantic outings, or family get-togethers! You can easily create a delicious rice ball lunchbox using ingredients you already have in your refrigerator. The spicy kick of jalapeños perfectly complements the savory tuna, creating a flavor that both kids and adults will adore.
Ingredients- 1 small can of tuna
- 2 jalapeño peppers
Seasoning & Rice- 0.7 Tbsp salt (using a measuring spoon)
- 0.4 Tbsp black pepper (using a measuring spoon)
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame seeds (using a measuring spoon)
- 1.5 Tbsp mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 0.7 Tbsp salt (using a measuring spoon)
- 0.4 Tbsp black pepper (using a measuring spoon)
- 1.5 Tbsp sesame seeds (using a measuring spoon)
- 1.5 Tbsp mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the ingredients. You’ll need one small can of tuna and some jalapeño peppers from your kitchen.
Step 2
This recipe uses 2 jalapeño peppers. If you love the spicy kick, feel free to add more! However, even with just two, you can create wonderfully flavorful rice balls.
Step 3
Open the can of tuna and drain all the oil thoroughly using a sieve. Removing the oil is crucial for preventing the rice balls from becoming greasy and ensuring a clean, fresh taste.
Step 4
Trim the stem end off the jalapeño peppers and then cut them in half lengthwise. Next, carefully remove the seeds from the center of each half. Removing the seeds will help control the spiciness.
Step 5
Using a teaspoon makes it easy to scoop out the jalapeño seeds cleanly. Make sure to scrape out all the seeds from the core.
Step 6
Finely mince the deseeded jalapeño peppers. Mincing them finely will ensure a pleasant texture and even distribution within the rice balls.
Step 7
In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna and mayonnaise. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your preference. (Heinz mayonnaise is shown in the picture, but any regular mayonnaise will work perfectly!)
Step 8
Add the finely minced jalapeño to the bowl with the tuna and mayonnaise. Mix them together.
Step 9
Prepare about one bowl of cooked rice. Add the rice to the mixture in the bowl. Sprinkle in a small amount of black pepper, about 0.4 tablespoons based on a measuring spoon – just shy of half a spoon. Pepper adds a lovely aroma.
Step 10
To season, add 0.7 tablespoons of salt (using a measuring spoon). It’s always a good idea to taste and adjust the salt level to your liking.
Step 11
Add 1.5 tablespoons of sesame seeds (using a measuring spoon). If you enjoy the nutty flavor and texture of sesame seeds, this amount is great. If you prefer less, feel free to use just 1 tablespoon.
Step 12
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with a spatula or your hands. Once everything is well combined, lightly wet your hands or wear gloves and shape the mixture into small, round balls. See how easy that was?
Step 13
Voila! Your delicious Tuna Jalapeño Rice Balls are ready!
Step 14
Don’t worry if you don’t have a special bento box! You can pack the rice balls into a regular food container. For easy handling without forks or chopsticks, stick a toothpick into the lid’s groove and secure it with tape. This is a clever way to complete your portable meal!
